“It’s a combination of things. We had to go back to the power purchase agreement that was challenged and that cost us a year,” Grybowski said of the legal challenge to Deepwater Wind’s contract to sell energy to National Grid.

“We have to allow for the uncertainty that may occur during the permitting process,” he said. “The financial closing to borrow funds to construct the project would take several months. Then we’d have to execute the contract and place orders for major pieces of equipment.”

The lead time on equipment generally ranges from 12 to 18 months, one more reason the company is now looking at a later time frame for completion, he said.

The project, to be located three miles southeast of Block Island, is expected to generate 200 construction jobs and six to 10 permanent jobs, Grybowski said.

Deepwater Wind is in an informal race with the planned Cape Wind project in Nantucket Sound to be the nation’s first offshore wind farm.

The 130-turbine Cape Wind project, in an area called Horseshoe Shoal, is being developed by the Massachusetts-based Energy Management Inc.

“I would not say we’re racing with Cape Wind. There’s some healthy competition between the two companies.” Grybowski said. “I think there may be some bragging rights in being the first, but that’s not very important at the end of the day. I hope both of the projects are successful.”

The results of three years of environmental studies on the Block Island Wind Farm were submitted to state and federal agencies in September and October. With the $7 million in studies for permit applications completed, the agencies are currently soliciting public comments on the project.

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